A new tandem reaction of bifunctional peroxides enables the expedient synthesis of functionalized dihydrofurans

Abstract

Bifunctional peroxides are versatile reagents. Herein, we report a new annulation mode of peroxy enals that undergo a distinctive cascade reaction with β-keto esters under DBU basic conditions at room temperature, with the cascade specifically involving deconjugative epoxidation and aldol addition/cyclization. The reaction could rapidly construct complex dihydrofurans bearing adjacent quaternary–tertiary carbon centers and multiple functional groups with high diastereoselectivities.